How Long to Grill Chicken Drumsticks: A Complete Guide for Perfectly Grilled Drumsticks

 Grilled chicken drumsticks are a favorite for many, whether you’re hosting a barbecue, preparing a family meal, or just craving a tasty and simple dish. The juicy, flavorful meat on the bone makes drumsticks a popular choice for grilling. However, the question remains: how long to grill chicken drumsticks to get them just right?

The answer isn’t as simple as a set number of minutes. Several factors can influence grilling time, including the size of the drumsticks, the grill temperature, and whether you're using direct or indirect heat. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about grilling chicken drumsticks to perfection, including tips, techniques, and a step-by-step method for cooking your drumsticks to juicy, flavorful goodness.

Why Grill Chicken Drumsticks?

Grilling chicken drumsticks has numerous advantages. Not only do they taste amazing, but the grill also imparts a smoky flavor and crispy skin that oven cooking can’t match. Plus, drumsticks are more affordable than other cuts like breasts or thighs, making them a great option for budget-friendly meals.

Some benefits of grilling chicken drumsticks include:

• Juicy Meat: Drumsticks retain their moisture better than leaner cuts like chicken breasts, which helps make them incredibly tender and flavorful.

• Crispy Skin: The high heat from the grill makes the skin crispy, providing a satisfying crunch and an irresistible golden color.

• Versatility: Grilled drumsticks can be seasoned in various ways, from simple salt and pepper to complex marinades or rubs.

• Outdoor Cooking: If the weather is nice, grilling outside is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors while preparing a meal.

Now, let’s dive into how to grill chicken drumsticks perfectly, with a particular focus on how long to grill chicken drumsticks.

Preparing Your Chicken Drumsticks for Grilling

Before we discuss grilling times, let’s first go over how to properly prepare your chicken drumsticks for grilling:

1. Season Your Drumsticks
   Season your chicken drumsticks generously with your choice of dry rub, marinade, or simply salt and pepper. You can marinate the drumsticks for 30 minutes to 2 hours for extra flavor, or use a dry rub and let it sit for a similar amount of time. If you’re short on time, seasoning them just before grilling works fine too.
   
   

2. Bring the Drumsticks to Room Temperature
   Before placing the chicken on the grill, allow the drumsticks to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. This helps them cook more evenly and reduces the risk of overcooking the outside while the inside remains undercooked.
   
   

3. Preheat Your Grill
   Preheat your grill to a medium-high temperature, around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C). If you’re using a gas grill, this is as simple as turning on the burners and waiting for them to heat up. If using charcoal, make sure the coals are glowing red and ashy.
   
   

4. Oil the Grill Grates
   To prevent the drumsticks from sticking to the grates, use a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil and rub it on the grill grates. This step is especially important if you're using a gas grill, as it helps create a non-stick surface.
   
   

How Long to Grill Chicken Drumsticks

Now, the big question: how long to grill chicken drumsticks? The grilling time will depend on the method you use and the size of the drumsticks, but here’s a general guide to get you started:

Direct Heat (Grilling Over the Flame)

For a quick sear on the outside and a juicy inside, grilling your chicken drumsticks over direct heat is a great option. Direct heat means placing the chicken directly over the flames or hot coals.

1. Initial Sear: Place the drumsticks on the grill over direct heat for 2-3 minutes per side to get a crispy, browned skin. During this time, you should see some nice grill marks form on the chicken.
   
   

2. Move to Indirect Heat: After searing, move the drumsticks to the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat) and close the lid. Indirect heat will allow the chicken to cook through without burning the outside. Cook for 25-30 minutes, turning the drumsticks every 5-7 minutes.
   
   

Indirect Heat (Grilling Away from the Flames)

If you’re looking for a more controlled way to cook your chicken drumsticks, using indirect heat can be a fantastic method. Indirect heat is when the chicken is placed away from the flames, often with the lid closed, so it cooks more slowly and evenly.

1. Cooking Time: Place the drumsticks on the cooler side of the grill and cover the lid. Grill for 30-40 minutes, flipping the drumsticks every 7-10 minutes to ensure even cooking. This method will give you juicy, tender chicken without risking the skin getting too charred.

Checking for Doneness

It’s essential to check the internal temperature of the drumsticks to ensure they are fully cooked. The ideal internal temperature for cooked chicken drumsticks is 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the drumstick (without touching the bone). If the thermometer reads 165°F, the chicken is done.

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

Now that you know how long to grill chicken drumsticks, here are some additional tips to help you achieve perfectly grilled drumsticks every time:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Avoid placing too many drumsticks on the grill at once, as this can lower the grill temperature and cause uneven cooking. Give each drumstick enough space to cook properly.

• Use a Thermometer: The most accurate way to check if your drumsticks are fully cooked is with a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the drumstick to ensure it reaches the safe temperature of 165°F (74°C).

• Add Sauce at the End: If you’re using a glaze or BBQ sauce, add it during the final 5-10 minutes of grilling. Adding sauce too early can cause it to burn, leaving you with a bitter taste.

• Let the Chicken Rest: Once the chicken drumsticks are done, let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Grilling Chicken Drumsticks

While grilling chicken drumsticks is relatively straightforward, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

• Cooking Over Too High Heat: Cooking the drumsticks over too high of heat can cause the outside to burn before the inside cooks fully. Always use a medium heat setting for even cooking.

• Not Using Indirect Heat: While direct heat helps with browning, the bulk of cooking should happen over indirect heat to ensure the drumsticks cook through without burning.

• Skipping the Resting Step: Skipping the resting step after grilling can lead to dry chicken. Let the drumsticks rest so the juices have time to redistribute.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

Grilled chicken drumsticks are a versatile meal that pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your perfectly grilled drumsticks:

• Grilled Vegetables: Grilled corn on the cob, zucchini, peppers, or asparagus are great options to pair with chicken.

• Potato Salad: A creamy, tangy potato salad complements the smoky flavors of the grilled chicken.

• Coleslaw: A refreshing, crunchy coleslaw is a classic side dish that adds a great contrast to grilled chicken drumsticks.

• Rice: A simple rice pilaf or seasoned rice can round out the meal.

Conclusion

When it comes to grilling chicken drumsticks, understanding how long to grill chicken drumsticks is key to getting the best results. By using the right cooking methods—such as searing over direct heat and finishing with indirect heat—you can ensure that your drumsticks are cooked evenly, tender, and full of flavor. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced griller, these tips and techniques will help you achieve the perfect grilled drumsticks every time.

For more grilling tips, recipes, and cooking techniques, be sure to check out Scrappy Geek, where you can find a wealth of information to help you become the grill master you’ve always wanted to be.